From Formula to FinisheD ProducT

Whether you're starting from an existing library formula, a base modification, or full custom development, this is where the actual composition, INCI list, and manufacturing method get locked in. This is also the point to confirm the formula suits your target market's regulatory requirements (Australia, EU, US rules differ).

A formula on paper still needs a contract manufacturer to actually produce it. We recommend working with a manufacturer local to your target market to simplify shipping, regulatory compliance, and communication. This is also where your formula's manufacturing method gets tested at bench scale.

Your manufacturer produces a small lab-scale sample first - typically 100g to 1kg - so you can evaluate texture, scent, and performance before committing to a full production run. This is the stage to request any tweaks.

Before scaling to full production, your formula should go through stability testing (confirms it holds up over its intended shelf life, including temperature extremes) and, for leave-on or wash-off products with a water phase, preservative efficacy testing (confirms the preservative system actually protects against microbial contamination in practice, not just in theory).

Your formula needs packaging that's actually compatible with it - not every bottle or jar suits every formula (some plastics react with certain actives, some pumps don't suit thick or thin viscosities). Your label also needs to be fully compliant - see our guide on labelling requirements for what's legally required.

Once everything above is confirmed, your manufacturer moves to a full production batch - typically with a minimum order quantity, since smaller runs aren't usually cost-effective for either party. This is also when batch coding, expiry dating, and final quality checks happen before your stock ships to you.